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Merritt Kids College Summer 2014

What is Merritt Kids College?
Merritt Kids College offers a well-rounded program for boys and girls entering grades 6-8. Our goal is to stimulate creativity, physical activity and personal growth by fostering a fun learning environment. This program is designed to give students a unique learning experience right on a college campus, while also preparing them for High School and College. But mostly, it will be lots of fun!

Are scholarships available?
Yes, scholarships are available, so please ask us if you qualify. We also have some amazing group rates and other discounts available. Please read the discount document on our website for the details and ask us if you have any specific questions.

What is the camp schedule?
The Merritt Kids College program runs Mondays through Friday, the week of June 16-26. There will be two class periods in the morning and two more in the afternoon. Each class period will last 85 minutes and the students will rotate through music, art and athletic activities. Everyday a speaker will make a presentation to the students during their hour-long lunch break. The session runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with an optional After Care Program until 6 p.m.

What is the After Care Program?
The After Care Program is a day care that runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Campers will have a number of activities to choose from every day, including optional extended class time with their counselors. They will be able to continue working on art and music projects, as well as organized soccer, flag football, and other games. The After Care Program is $20.00 per day and $180.00 per week and must be taken in week-long sessions and pre-paid. To sign-up, please check the appropriate boxes in your registration packet.

Will you have camp orientations?
Yes! The orientation session will take place the Monday morning of each session at 9:00 am on the field in front of the F building. The orientation is geared toward campers, but parents are more than welcome to attend so that you may learn more about the program, schedule and the campus.

Will there be any awards?
Absolutely! There will be a closing ceremony from 1-4 p.m. on the final day of each session and parents are encouraged to attend. Counselors will give out awards to their students including their “camper of the week” award. Each student will receive a certificate of completion as well as their completed art projects. The closing ceremony will also include some games, presentations and closing comments from the counselors, instructors and other camp leaders.

When do we get the T-shirt?
The T-shirts will be distributed to the campers on Monday morning at the registration desk, before the start of orientation.

How will I know where to go when I arrive on campus?
The registration table and orientation will be held on the field in front of the F building. There will be signs on Campus Dr. and in the parking lot to direct you. This field will also be the daily drop off and pick up point. We will also send you a campus map with your registration confirmation information. If you are not familiar with the campus please print out the campus map and arrive early on the first day.

Does my child need to be signed in and out every day?
Yes. For security purposes, all children must be signed in and out by a designated parent or guardian. If you would like to give permission for your child to sign him/herself in and out, please check the appropriate box on the Drop Off/Pick Up Form. Campers need to be picked up promptly at 4 p.m., or promptly at 6 p.m. if they have been signed up for the After Care Program.

Can I drop off my child early?
We do not provide early care supervision, but we do ask that all students arrive by 8:45 a.m. so that we may start our classes promptly at 9.

What if my child is absent, late, or I need to pick him/her up early?
Please notify us as early as possible about any absences or late drop offs. If a student must leave early, please also have them bring a note to remind their counselor. To let us know of any last minute notifications, please call us at 510- 436-2609.

What should my child bring to camp?
Please pack a bag lunch for your child that doesn’t require refrigeration or heating. Please make sure the lunch boxes and/or bags are clearly labeled with your child’s name to limit confusion. Since we will be doing sports as well as art, students should wear athletic shoes and clothes that can get dirty. We are planning for warm, sunny days, so they may also want to wear shorts and sun block. If they need anything else, the staff will inform them at orientation on Monday morning. Cleats are not required.

Do you provide any food for the students?
We advise that each student bring their own lunch, but if that isn’t possible, we can provide a nutritious lunch of sandwiches, fruit, snacks, crackers, etc for $7 per day. To select which specific days you would like to purchase lunch, please check the appropriate boxes in the registration packet.
We will be providing a variety of healthy snacks for the students during break times throughout the day. The healthy snacks will include fruit, snack bars, trail mix, crackers, juice and water.

Will my child be supervised?
Yes, your child will be supervised at all times. Each group will have an assigned counselor who will stay with them throughout the day as they move between classes. Each class will have a faculty member and an additional counselor to help with the class. The counselors will also supervise them during the lunch period and during the After Care Program.

How many students are there in each class?
There will be between 20-25 kids in each class. Each class will be led by at least two counselors and one faculty member.

What is your behavior policy?
All campers are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates courtesy and respect for others and facilitates learning. Disruptive students will be dismissed from the program and the parents will be contacted to pick them up. We ask that you and your child both carefully read and understand the Student Conduct Form. The Student Conduct Form must be returned to us, signed by both you and your child, before camp begins.

May I attend class with my child?
Parents are encouraged to attend the orientation from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the first day of class and the closing ceremony at 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the last day of class. For the good of the students, parents will not be able to attend the rest of the classes throughout the week.

Can the children keep their cell phones on during class?
Sorry, but absolutely not. To limit disruptions and distractions, please ask your child to silence or turn off their phones for the duration of the session. Use of cell phones on campus will result in confiscation by the staff. We will not be held accountable for lost phones.